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Herbs for Your Immune System
Echinacea: Echinacea has become tremendously popular and is one of the main herbs people buy for first aid throughout the country. Echinacea has antibiotic and anti-bacterial qualities that make it one of the first herbs people use at the initial signs of a cold or an infection. Echinacea works in two different ways. The first way is to fight illness directly by inhibiting the hyalurinodase enzyme, which causes the spread of bacteria. The other way is to encourage the growth of white blood cells, which boosts the immune level and helps the body to fight off illness.
Astragalus: This Chinese herb has long been known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and to help fight off colds, flu and disease. This is an especially good herb for those who are weak and disabled and need a strengthening and building tonic. Astragalus builds energy levels, improves the digestion and nourishes the lungs, allowing the body to heal itself more easily.
Reishi mushroom: This fungus is one of the most powerful immune system tonics in the world. Known as an adaptogen, reishi helps us to adapt to stress and ward off its negative influence on our health. Reishi also helps alleviate allergies and food sensitivities often associated with Neptune. Like Echinacea, reishi promotes the growth of white blood cells in the body. It is specifically noted for its ability to help with immune system disorders such as AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome and bacterial and viral infections. Diet for a Healthy Immune System
In the modern world, it is difficult to avoid the emphasis on fast food, caffeinated beverages and sugar. This type of diet, however, leads to some of the greatest health problems in the world, including cancer and a host of immune system illnesses. For those of us with a strong emphasis on Neptune or Pisces (Neptune’s ruling sign) in our charts*, there can be a greater sensitivity to food that is harmful and injurious to our immune system. That is why it is especially important to choose a diet that will help balance and strengthen our immunity. Here are some basic ideas for a good immune system building diet:
Eat whole foods, choosing from a variety of grains and vegetables.
Include seaweeds such as dulce, kelp and hijiki to enhance immunity.
Drink plenty of uncontaminated water to flush toxins through the system.
Avoid eating late at night.
Avoid alcohol and drugs.
Avoid processed and pesticide-laden foods.
Avoid caffeine, sugar and other stimulants that depress immunity.
These are three most vulnerable body parts for Libras and three flower essences which can enhance it:
- endocrine system in general – Dynamis
- pancreas in particular – Peach-flowered Tea-tree
- kidneys – Dog Rose
The best way for Libra to boost the immune system?